The most terrifying words in all Scripture

“I never knew you.”

As far as I’m concerned, those words of warning from Jesus in Matthew 7:23 are the most

terrifying words in all of Scripture. He isn’t saying “you didn’t do enough,” or “you fell short.” Instead, it’s “I never knew you.” It was a relationship that was missing. Activity without intimacy. Results without roots.

And here’s the question that should stop every sincere Christian in their tracks: Are we—often with the best intentions—helping create people who think they’re saved, but aren’t? 

Before you read another word, I need to ask you to help us with something that matters deeply. Please take 6 minutes to complete this anonymous, confidential survey: https://bttb.org/salt 

Why? Because just a couple of weeks ago, we completed a general population study of the United States, and what we found was sobering. We are finalizing a tool that can help correct a dangerous blind spot in American Christianity—but only if people like you step in and help us finish it.

Now let me explain why this matters so much.

I don’t believe that we as Christ Followers, pastors or ministries are trying to deceive anyone with the way we report on our successes. I don’t think those who emphasize quick decisions have bad intentions. We genuinely want people saved. I know I do. But somewhere along the way, the American body of believers traded the slow, demanding work of disciple-making for the quick satisfaction of decision-counting. It’s easier to measure. It looks better in reports. And it feeds the same craving for instant results that our culture and technology have trained us to expect.

But Jesus never measured success that way. He warned us plainly: calling Him “Lord” without obeying Him is not faith—it’s self-deception (Matthew 7:21-23). And I never want to stand before Christ and realize I helped someone feel secure without helping them truly follow Him.

What we just discovered about America

Using our new SALT Index—a tool designed to measure Scripture absorption and real life transformation, not religious activity—we surveyed the general U.S. population just weeks ago.

Here’s what the data revealed:

· About 65% of Americans say they follow Jesus

· Yet 60% rarely if ever, engage the Bible

· Only 39% regularly attend church

· Fewer than 30% strongly agree that Jesus is the most important aspect of their life

· Only about one-third are involved in any form of relational discipleship

That gap—between identity and obedience—is the most dangerous space in American Christianity today. And our job with your help is to figure out how to bring this group back to the Bible.

Millions call Jesus “Lord” while rarely listening to His Word, living in Christian community, or growing in Christlike obedience. And that is precisely the group Jesus warned when He said, “Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord…’” only to hear Him reply, “I never knew you.” (Matthew 7:21-23)

If that doesn’t trouble us, we’re not paying attention.

Why the SALT Index exists

We all know numbers don’t tell the whole story. We can count downloads, decisions, attendance, engagement, and views—but none of that tells us whether someone is actually becoming more like Jesus.

The real question isn’t if they clicked a box on a website, if they showed up at an event or even if they raised a hand. The real question is: Did their life change?

The SALT Index was built to answer that question honestly. Because for the first time, churches and para-church ministries can compare their people—using the same questions, same scoring, same structure—to the spiritual condition of the average American. No more guessing. No more celebrating improvement without context.

Now churches and ministries can finally ask:

· Are we moving people beyond the national norm—or merely reflecting it?

· Where are beliefs strong but obedience weak?

· Where are we assuming discipleship instead of cultivating it?

This tool doesn’t diminish what God is doing. It clarifies it.

How you can be part of the solution

We are in the final stages of refining the SALT Index before releasing it widely. To do that well, we need thoughtful, honest input from people who care about discipleship—not hype. That’s where you come in. Your participation helps ensure this tool:

· Measures what actually matters

· Avoids shallow or misleading conclusions

· Serves churches, ministries, donors, and leaders with integrity

This is not about data for data’s sake. This is about preventing false assurance. This is about protecting souls. This is about helping the Church shift from counting converts to forming disciples. If revival is truly happening, this tool will help us see it clearly. And if formation is breaking down, this tool will help us face it honestly.

I don’t want to be part of a ministry that helps people feel saved without helping them follow Jesus. And I know you don’t either.

Please take the 6-minute SALT Index survey here: https://bttb.org/salt 

Thank you for being part of the solution.

In Christ, 

P.S. If you have a comment or prayer request, contact me here: or call me and leave a message at 1-800-811-2387. And be sure to join me tomorrow through Friday on our new podcast Spiritually Fit Today.